Spain. What comes to mind? Flamenco? Paella? Probably. But there’s so much more to Spain than meets the typical tourist’s eye.
Beyond the usual associations, Spain is a country brimming with unexpected quirks and fascinating trivia. From its diverse linguistic landscape to its progressive social initiatives, there’s a wealth of knowledge waiting to be uncovered.
So, let’s ditch the clichés and dive into some surprising and interesting facts about Spain. We’ll explore a range of sources to give you a glimpse beyond the postcard-perfect image and reveal some hidden gems. Ready to discover a random fact about Spain that you probably didn’t know?
Linguistic diversity and global influence
The fact that Spain is so linguistically diverse might surprise some.
Spanish: A global language
Of course, Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages, with more than 580 million speakers worldwide. That makes it the second most-spoken language on the planet.
While we often call it Spanish, the more accurate term is Castilian, which acknowledges that the language originated in the Castile region of Spain.
Beyond Castilian: Spain’s multilingual identity
But Castilian is just one of several languages spoken in Spain. The country recognizes Catalan, Galician, and Basque as official languages, along with Valencian and Occitan.
Each language adds to Spain’s rich cultural heritage, and knowing more about this diversity can give you a better understanding of the country’s regional identities.
Moorish Influence and Spain’s History
For almost 800 years, a group of North African Muslims known as the Moors occupied parts of Spain. This period, called Al-Andalus, had a massive impact on Spanish culture. You can still see it today in the architecture, language, and even the food.
One of the best examples of Moorish artistry is the Alhambra Palace in Granada. It’s breathtaking! The Mosque of Córdoba is another incredible building that shows off the architectural genius of that time.
Eventually, the Christian kingdoms in the north began pushing back against Moorish rule. This was called the Reconquista. It was a long period of conflict, but also cultural exchange, and it really shaped what Spain is today.
Architectural Marvels: From Ancient Structures to Modern Masterpieces
From the ruins of ancient civilizations to the soaring designs of contemporary architects, Spain is a feast for the eyes.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Spain comes in third worldwide for the sheer number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites found within its borders — 45 or 47, depending on which source you consult. These sites are a celebration of Spain’s rich cultural and historical heritage and include ancient Roman ruins, soaring medieval cathedrals, and groundbreaking modernist architecture.
La Sagrada Familia: An Enduring Icon
Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona is a prime example of Catalan Modernism. Construction began in 1882 and is projected to wrap up in 2026, a century after Gaudí’s death. Each year, millions come to marvel at its unique architectural style and elaborate details.
Sobrino de Botín: A Culinary Time Capsule
If you’re in Madrid, consider a visit to the world’s oldest restaurant, Sobrino de Botín. Serving traditional Spanish cuisine since 1725, its historical atmosphere and culinary legacy make it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Cultural quirks and unique traditions
Spain is a country steeped in history and tradition. Here are a few of its more interesting cultural quirks.
The siesta: a cultural institution
The siesta, or midday break, is a deeply rooted part of Spanish culture. Typically observed between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., this custom allows people to rest during the hottest part of the day.
While the siesta isn’t as widely practiced as it once was, it still influences business hours and daily routines.
La Tomatina: the world’s largest food fight
La Tomatina is an annual festival held in Buñol, in the Valencia region of Spain, in which participants engage in a massive tomato fight. Considered the world’s largest food fight, this unique and chaotic event attracts thousands of participants from around the globe.
New Year’s Eve grape tradition
Spaniards celebrate New Year’s Eve by eating 12 grapes as the clock strikes midnight. This tradition symbolizes good luck for the coming year and is a lively and festive custom observed throughout the country.
Olive oil and Spanish food
Here’s a random fact about Spain: it’s the world’s biggest producer of olive oil. About 40% of the olive oil sold around the world comes from Spain, and it’s a key ingredient in just about every Spanish dish.
Speaking of Spanish dishes, here’s another interesting tidbit. Many people think paella is Spain’s national dish, but it’s actually a specialty from Valencia. Paella is an arroz dish, which just means it’s made with rice.
Finally, Spain is also the birthplace of tapas. These small, savory dishes are a fundamental part of the Spanish dining experience.
Time perception and entrepreneurial spirit
Spain’s culture is steeped in tradition, but it’s also a country where time seems to flow differently, and where women are increasingly making their mark in business.
A different sense of time
If you’re planning to visit Spain, be aware that the Spanish have a different sense of time than many cultures. For example, morning lasts until around 2 p.m. And you shouldn’t expect to sit down for dinner until 8 or 9 p.m. at the earliest.
This relaxed approach to time can be charming, but it can also be frustrating if you’re on a tight schedule.
Entrepreneurial landscape
Women are a major force in Spain’s entrepreneurial scene. They make up 45% of the country’s entrepreneurial population. Spain also scored well on the Gender Equality Index, with 74.6 points out of 100, which is six points higher than the EU average.
If you want to start a limited liability company (SL) in Spain, you’ll only need to invest one euro. And you can set up your company online.
Geographical surprises: islands, beaches, and mountains
Spain has many geographical features you might not expect.
A land of islands
Did you know that Spain has more than 1,000 islands? The Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza) are probably the best known, but the Canary Islands are also Spanish territory.
Blue Flag beaches
Spain is proud to claim the most Blue Flag beaches in the world — more than 600 of them. These beaches meet high standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management, so you can feel good about swimming in the water.
A mountainous country
Spain is the second most mountainous country in Europe. That diverse terrain lends itself to all kinds of outdoor activities, from hiking to skiing and more.
The Bottom Line
Spain’s fascinating history, vibrant culture, and diverse geography combine to make it a truly unique destination. From its many languages and Moorish history to its stunning architecture and time-honored traditions, Spain offers something for everyone.
Learning these surprising facts can help you understand and appreciate the country’s complexity and charm.
Whether you’re planning a trip, working on a school project, or simply curious about the world, Spain has so much to offer.